Zephyranthes rosea (Rain Lily)

Zephyranthes rosea (Rain Lily) is a bulbous perennial boasting broad, upward-facing, sugar-pink flowers, 1 in. across (3 cm), adorned with bright yellow stamens and a small white throat.

Zephyranthes rosea (Rain Lily) is a bulbous perennial boasting broad, upward-facing, sugar-pink flowers, 1 in. across (3 cm), adorned with bright yellow stamens and a small white throat. Blooming in succession in late summer and early fall, they sit atop upright stems rising above a tuft of semi-erect, grass-like, bright green leaves. Brightening up the garden for weeks, this beauty looks pretty in rock gardens, at the front of borders or in containers.

  • Grows up to 8 in. tall (20 cm) and 2 in. wide (5 cm). Will naturalize and spread to create charming colonies.
  • Thrives in full sun in moderately fertile, moist and well-drained soils. Protect from winter wet.
  • Spectacular when planted in great swathes along paths or sidewalks. Good candidate for border fronts, rock gardens and containers.
  • Virtually pest and disease free.
  • Zephyranthes rosea is only hardy to zones 9-11. Therefore, in cooler areas, the bulbs will have to be dug up before the first frost and stored indoors over the winter in a cool, dry place before being replanted in spring. If grown in pots or containers, they should also be overwintered in a cool, frost-free location with just enough moisture to keep the soil from totally drying out.
  • Propagate by seed, sown with moderate heat as soon as ripe. Separate offsets in spring.
  • Native to Peru and Colombia.

Requirements

Hardiness 9
– 11

Heat Zones 10
– 12

Plant Type Bulbs, Perennials
Plant Family Zephyranthes – Rain Lilies
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Late)Fall
Height 6"
– 8"
(15cm
– 20cm)
Spread 1"
– 2"
(2cm
– 5cm)
Spacing 3″
– 4″
(7cm
– 10cm)
Depth 3"
(7cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Average
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Gravel and Rock Garden, Mediterranean Garden